Delicious Pumpkin Bread Pudding With Caramel Sauce

Try my pumpkin bread pudding that is full of pumpkin spice flavor. This homemade bread pudding for fall is loaded with thick sliced bread, and a pumpkin puree filling, and you can drizzle it with caramel sauce and chopped nuts. A tasty pumpkin breakfast recipe or served even as brunch or dessert.

Bread pudding is one dish I have always enjoyed growing up. It has such a rich and custard-like texture that is sweet and refreshing. This fall season version is filled with warm pumpkin spices and bursting with flavor.

Try my fireball apple bread pudding for another decadent pudding recipe. Or, if you are on the search for another easy recipe with pumpkin, consider trying out my pumpkin banana bread.

If you want to make your own pumpkin spice, check out this homemade pumpkin pie spice recipe that you can adjust to your tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Fall Gatherings: This pumpkin bread pudding is an ideal dessert for holiday meals, offering a delightful blend of seasonal flavors that will impress your guests.
• Simple to Make: With straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this perfect dessert can be whipped up without much fuss, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Versatile Serving Options: This pumpkin bread pudding is a cozy breakfast treat, a sweet brunch addition, or a satisfying dessert to end a meal on a high note.
• Customizable Toppings: Enhance your bread pudding by experimenting with different toppings, such as whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkling of cinnamon, to create your perfect flavor combination.

What Is Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Pumpkin bread pudding is a fall version of a classic bread pudding. You will use thick sliced bread that is diced up into pieces. Then you will make a pumpkin custard mix and pour over the bread mixture and bake.

Once done, you can add toppings and slice and serve up a decadent dish that is bursting with warm spices, pumpkin flavor, and tender bread.

What’s in This Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe

• Bread—For bread pudding, you can use French bread, Texas toast, Brioche, and more. The goal is thick type of bread that is a bit harder in texture, preventing it from getting soggy.
• Pumpkin purée – You can make homemade pumpkin puree or buy a can. Either way, make sure it is puree and not pumpkin pie mix. They are not the same.
• Half and Half and Milk—Both are used for the custard portion of the mixture. They will add some richness to the pudding.
• Brown Sugar and Granulated—The double sugar will add a balance of sweetness, and the brown sugar offer a bit of a caramel-like flavor.
• Eggs—Eggs are an important part of bread pudding preparation. They create that rich and dense flavor.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice – Can’t have a pumpkin dessert without pumpkin pie spice! Whip this up homemade or buy your favorite brand at the store.
• Vanilla – The vanilla is going to sweeten up the bread pudding but also balance out the flavors.
• Salt—Salt enhances all the flavors of the dish. Without it, this great recipe can lack flavor.

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Substitutions and Variations

• Feel free to use gluten-free bread if you need a gluten-free recipe.
• Mix in some dried raisins or craisins for added sweetness in the bread pudding.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute the half-and-half milk with almond milk or coconut milk. Both will provide a creamy texture without the dairy.
• Add chocolate chips for a rich and decadent twist.
• If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of brown sugar and granulated sugar to suit your taste.
• Incorporate chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Experiment with different types of bread, such as challah or sourdough, to see how they affect the texture and taste of your bread pudding.
• To make it vegan, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) or another egg substitute in place of regular eggs.

How to Make Spiced Pumpkin Bread Pudding (step-by-step directions)

1. Combine puree, milk, half and half, pumpkin pie spice, eggs, salt, sugars, and vanilla in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly. (Photo 1)
2. Chop the bread into 1-inch bread cubes and place the cubed bread in the baking dish.
3. Pour the bread into the pumpkin mixture and let it soak for 10 minutes. (Photos 2 & 3)

5. Transfer the mixture to the casserole pan and bake as directed. (Photo 4)
6. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes, then add your choice of toppings.

Recipe Tips

• Stale bread works best as it will do better at soaking up the egg base mixture and not become too soggy.
• Make sure to not oversoak the bread, otherwise, it will become too mushy.
• Ensure the batter is fully cooked as you do not want the custard to be underbaked.
• Use a serrated knife to cut the bread for a cleaner and more uniform look.
• If using homemade pumpkin puree, make sure to drain any excess liquid to avoid making the bread pudding too watery.
• Sprinkle some additional pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon on top before baking for an extra boost of flavor.
• Allow the bread pudding to rest for a few minutes after baking to ensure it sets properly and slices cleanly.
• Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream for an added touch of indulgence.
• Experiment with different spice blends to customize the flavor to your liking.

Storing Tips 

You should refrigerate any bread pudding you do not eat. Just place it in a sealed container and store it for 3-5 days in the fridge. The pudding will dry out a bit after the first few days, but it will still taste delicious.

You are welcome to freeze any pudding you do not eat right away. Just place it in a freezer container and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw straight from the freezer or place it in the fridge for a slow thaw overnight.

To reheat bread pudding, you can either place it in the microwave and do a quick reheat or warm it up in the oven. If you heat it in the oven, make sure to cover it with foil to prevent the pudding from drying out.

Serving Suggestions

While this pudding is fantastic alone, you might want to pair it with some other items to enhance the flavor even more. Consider topping with some fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Or, if you want, pair it with some sausage, bacon, or another savory breakfast side to go along with the bread pudding for brunch. Or even try an omelet on the side.

Recipe FAQs

Need More Dessert Recipes? Try These:

• Cherry Loaf Bread
• Candied Pecans
• Maple Apple Cobbler
• Kit Kat Fudge
• Easy Homemade Apple Pie
• See all our easy dessert recipes!

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